7 Great American Road Trips for the Ultimate Summer Adventure
From Route 66 to Utah’s Mighty 5 to Florida’s Overseas Highway, these drives showcase the landscapes, culture, and stories that capture the spirit of the American road trip
Did you know the US is home to more than four million miles of open road? That’s part of what makes the road trip such a quintessentially American experience. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, there’s no better time to rediscover the scenic highways, cultural hotspots, and fascinating stories that help shape who we are.
Make the most of America’s milestone birthday this summer with these scenic drives that prove the Great American Road Trip is alive and well—and that getting there is half the fun.
Route 66
Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California | ~2,448 miles | ~10 days to 2+ weeks recommended
Must stops: Cadillac Ranch in Texas; California’s Santa Monica Pier
America’s Mother Road, Route 66 is more than just a drive. It’s a time warp of treasures that helped give America its global reputation as a haven for highway culture.
From the world-famous Cadillac Ranch to the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Route 66 is home to plenty of roadside quirks and neon-lit nostalgia. Whichever stretch you choose, one thing is certain: There’s no such thing as a dull moment.
Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point to Leggett, California | ~656 miles | ~10–12 hours with minimal stopping (best over 2–4 days)
Must stops: Big Sur; Hearst Castle
Few drives capture the marvel of the open road quite like California’s Pacific Coast Highway, better known as the PCH. Winding along rugged cliffs with sweeping ocean views, the PCH delivers postcard-worthy moments at every turn, connecting many of California’s most iconic coastal destinations, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Plan a stop in Big Sur for its iconic coastline and hiking trails, or pause in Monterey for a mix of marine life and coastal charm. You can also visit Hearst Castle, the historic seaside estate perched above the Central Coast, once a playground for Hollywood’s Golden Age movie stars. Summer brings long days and clear skies, making it an ideal season to slow down and savor each mile.
The Mighty 5 National Parks Loop
Utah loop (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion) | ~800–1,000 miles (depending on routing) | best over 7–14 days
Must stops: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon overlooks
If you’re craving dramatic landscapes, Utah’s Mighty 5 delivers in full. The popular road trip route links Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, each offering its own striking terrain.
Expect towering red rock formations, winding desert roads, and memorable stargazing opportunities—from the dramatic cliffs of Zion National Park to the sweeping overlooks of Bryce Canyon. Early-morning starts and thoughtful planning help you beat the summer heat, while the scenery makes every mile worthwhile.
The Overseas Highway
Miami to Key West, Florida | 113 miles | ~3–4 hours (best over 2–4 days)
Must stops: Key Largo; Key West sunset
Connecting the Florida mainland to Key West, the Overseas Highway (US Route 1 through the Florida Keys) feels like a drive across the ocean—because much of it is, thanks to a series of bridges spanning turquoise seas. With water stretching on both sides, the route is as relaxing as it is scenic.
Stop in Key Largo for snorkeling or take in a sunset celebration in Key West. Summer travelers will appreciate the laid-back pace and easy access to beaches, making this drive feel like a vacation in motion.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Afton, Virginia, to Cherokee, North Carolina | 469 miles | ~10–12 hours with minimal stopping (best over 2–3 days)
Must stops: Asheville; Skyline Drive connection
Stretching through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its gentle curves, panoramic overlooks, and vibrant greenery.
The route is especially inviting in summer, when wildflowers bloom and mountain air offers a refreshing escape from the heat. Stop in Asheville, North Carolina, for its craft breweries and arts scene, or take in the sweeping vistas along nearby Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive, a complementary scenic route that extends the Appalachian driving experience. The route adds depth to an already-unforgettable mountain journey.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
West Glacier to St. Mary, Montana | 50 miles | ~2–3 hours (without stops)
Must stops: Logan Pass; Lake McDonald
Cutting through Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most breathtaking drives in the country, with towering peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows creating an almost otherworldly landscape. The full drive takes roughly two to three hours without stops—but be sure to pause at Logan Pass, which offers sweeping views and access to hiking trails that showcase the park’s natural beauty. At the western end, Lake McDonald’s crystal-clear waters—often reflecting the surrounding peaks—offer one of the park’s most iconic and serene stopping points.
Because snow and ice keep portions of the road closed for much of the year, it’s firmly a summer must-do for road trippers by car. In spring, however—before it opens to vehicles—it becomes a quieter, more intimate experience, when hikers and cyclists can travel it without traffic. Many arrange bicycle rentals or guided rides in nearby Kalispell before heading toward the park’s west entrance to explore sections of the road at a slower, more immersive pace.
Great River Road
Itasca State Park, Minnesota, to New Orleans | ~3,000 miles | best over 10–14 days
Must stops: Natchez, Mississippi; Memphis riverfront
Tracing the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road winds through 10 states, passing river towns, farmland, and scenic bluffs along the Mississippi’s iconic corridor.
Highlights include historic towns such as Natchez, known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture and deep ties to Civil War-era history, along with lively stops like Memphis, where riverfront views meet music history and Southern culture. Summer brings festivals, local food, and a strong sense of connection to the river’s enduring role in American life.
Your road trip, your way
No matter which route you choose, a great road trip is all about how you experience the journey. With a little planning and a sense of curiosity, you’ll hit the open road with an invitation to explore more deeply and travel more intentionally.
If you’re looking to map out your route, find trusted accommodations, or uncover local gems along the way, AAA’s travel resources at AAA.com/travel can help you plan a trip that’s as seamless as it is memorable.